Jose

Mijares

Mijares has not reported to Royals’ camp due to visa issues in his native Venezuela and it’s not clear when the matter will be resolved. The 27-year-old signed a one-year, $925,000 contract with Kansas City in December after being non-tendered by the Twins.

Mijares was delayed due to visa issues in his native Venezuela. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reported Wednesday that the Royals hadn’t heard from Mijares in eight days, but the team was finally able to establish contact. The 27-year-old left-hander will not face discipline from the team.

The Royals aren’t concerned, according to the Kansas City Star’s Bob Dutton, because Mijares made a handful of appearances in winter ball and won’t require much of a spring workload. He should report sometime soon.

Mijares had been delayed in his native Venezuela due to visa issues. Though he’s missed a week of action, he should have no trouble getting up to speed before long. The portly left-hander is looked to bounce back from a disappointing 2011 campaign that saw him hold a 4.59 ERA and 30/30 K/BB ratio over 49 innings.

A minor surprise since Mijares was only projected to make around $1 million next season. The 27-year-old southpaw posted a 4.59 ERA and an ugly 30/30 K/BB ratio over 49 innings this past season. He has been effective against left-handed batters during his career, so he shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new home.

Mijares, 27, was non-tendered by the Twins earlier this month after posting a disappointing 4.59 ERA and 30/30 K/BB ratio over 49 innings of relief in 2011. The Royals will use him as a lefty specialist next season.

Mijares must be seriously disliked by his teammates or coaches. How else to explain two organizations giving up the cheap left-hander for nothing within the last nine months? Signed by Kansas City to a one-year, $925,000 contract after Minnesota non-tendered him in December, Mijares posted a stellar 2.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 51 appearances for the Royals. The 27-year-old southpaw has a career 3.04 ERA (139 ERA+) over 237 relief outings for the Twins and Royals. Perhaps he’ll get more love on the West Coast.

Santiago Casilla should still get the bulk of the save chances, but the Giants are trying to limit his innings due to concerns over a blister issue. The acquisition of Mijares should free up Affeldt to get a couple save chances here and there. The southpaw is worth a look in deeper mixed leagues if you’re hurting for saves.

Mijares has a solid 1.72 ERA and 35/10 K/BB ratio over 36 2/3 innings this season. Rzepczynski has compiled a disappointing 5.06 ERA and 22/11 K/BB ratio in 32 innings this year, but has enjoyed success against left-handed batters. The Cardinals are still in the playoff race, so Mijares may be the more realistic target.

It’s a nice score for Mijares, who was arbitration-eligible for the second time. He posted a 2.56 ERA in 56 1/3 innings last season between the Royals and Giants.